Latest news with #AndileTshona
TimesLIVE
08-07-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Grant suspensions leave elderly struggling in eligibility review
One of thousands of social grant beneficiaries who did not receive their July old age grant says her payout was suspended because her daughter sent her R3,200 to buy medication in June. Rudy Leray, 60, said she received her first social grant in April but her profile was blocked and now has to undergo review because she received financial assistance from her daughter. The SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) said at least 210,000 beneficiaries were flagged to be active in the labour market. Spokesperson Andile Tshona said they initiated the delayed payments because they want to root out corruption and ensure that grants are going to the right beneficiaries. 'Sassa has flagged some beneficiaries who could have additional sources of income that were not disclosed. In this case they are working or have businesses while they also receive grants,' said Tshona. 'Beneficiaries are obliged to disclose changes in their financial circumstances at the time of application for grants or if their situation changes afterwards.'
IOL News
04-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
What South African pensioners should know about July 2025 SASSA grant payments
SASSA conducting a verification process of grant recipients Image: File Thousands of South African pensioners are anxiously awaiting their July 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grant payments, which were scheduled for Wednesday. This comes after the sudden suspension of grants for many in June. While the payments offer critical relief—R2 330 for those aged 75 and older, and R2 310 for those aged 60 to 74— the news follows rising panic over eligibility reviews, means testing, and widespread misinformation. What's happening with the old-age grants? While the July payments are expected to proceed as scheduled, many pensioners were left reeling in June when their grants were suspended without prior warning, prompting outrage from public representatives, civil society, and affected beneficiaries. According to SASSA spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi, the agency and registered credit bureaus flagged approximately 210,000 beneficiaries believed to have undisclosed income that might exceed eligibility thresholds. As a result, grants for June were withheld, and those affected were asked to report to their nearest SASSA offices within 30 days. Why were grants suspended? SASSA says the suspensions are part of an income verification initiative rooted in the Social Assistance Act, which requires all applicants to: Fully declare their income during application. Report any changes in their financial status thereafter. Failure to do so may result in the temporary suspension or permanent termination of grants. Confusion over reapplication and fake news Further fuelling panic was a viral video that falsely claimed pensioners must reapply for their grants or risk losing them after July 1, prompting large crowds at some SASSA offices. However, SASSA has dismissed these claims as misinformation and urged beneficiaries to wait for official confirmation. 'We urge beneficiaries to be aware and wait for official communication from SASSA. Any unauthenticated information should be treated as a rumour,' said Andile Tshona, SASSA's media manager. Income and asset thresholds: Do you still qualify? SASSA's verification process checks whether pensioners exceed the following income and asset limits: The income and asset limits for applicants are as follows: for a single applicant, the monthly income limit is R8,070 with an asset limit of R1,372,800; for a married applicant, the monthly income limit is R16,140 with an asset limit of R2,745,600. Grants may be withheld if recipients' income exceeds these limits, even if the money comes from temporary family support or informal income. Payment dates for July and beyond SASSA's official July 2025 grant schedule is as follows: Old-Age Grants: Wednesday, 2 July Disability Grants: Thursday, 3 July Children's Grants: Friday, 4 July Funds will remain in recipients' accounts once deposited, so there's no need to rush to withdraw on payday, SASSA has advised. Remaining payment dates for 2025: August: Tuesday, 5 August September: Tuesday, 2 September October: Thursday, 2 October November: Tuesday, 4 November December: Tuesday, 2 December This round of grant suspensions is part of cost-cutting and anti-fraud measures initiated by SASSA and the National Treasury, which now include: Monthly cross-referencing with Home Affairs, Correctional Services, and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). Stricter enforcement of the asset and means test. Encouragement to move from green ID books to smart ID cards to reduce fraud. Despite a R280 billion allocation for social grants in 2025/26, the agency is under pressure to reduce misuse and tighten controls. How to secure or reapply for your grant If you were affected by a suspension or need to apply for the Old-Age Grant, ensure you have the following: Valid South African ID (smart card preferred) Proof of residence Bank statements (last 3 months) Evidence of marital status Proof of income or lack thereof Information on assets or private pensions UIF membership or past employment documentation Will or estate documents if a spouse has passed in the last five years You have 90 days to appeal any unsuccessful application or grant suspension. SASSA contact info For clarification or help: Toll-free: 0800 60 10 11 WhatsApp: +27 82 046 8553 Website: Email: [email protected] Provincial numbers: Eastern Cape: 043 707 6300 Gauteng: 011 241 8320 KZN: 033 846 3324 Western Cape: 021 469 0235 It is worth noting that the full list is available on the SASSA website. SASSA services are free of charge. Never pay anyone for assistance. If you suspect identity theft or fraud: Call the Anti-Corruption Hotline: 0800 701 701 Email: [email protected] SMS: 39772 IOL NEWS
The South African
18-05-2025
- General
- The South African
Early May payments confirmed for SASSA SRD grant beneficiaries
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has announced that the R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant will be paid earlier than usual in May. Payments typically start on the 25th of each month, but with the 25th falling on a Sunday, the agency will begin disbursing funds from 23 to 28 May instead. SASSA spokesperson Andile Tshona confirmed the revised dates to The Citizen , stating that this month's SRD grant payment will be processed from 23 to 28 May. Grant beneficiaries are advised to monitor their bank accounts and SASSA notifications during this window. While the early payment news may relieve many, SASSA has also stressed the ongoing need for beneficiaries to complete their identity verification process. This is particularly important for individuals flagged with an 'identity verification' status, which may occur when the agency detects possible fraud or discrepancies in contact or banking details. 'There is no shortcut,' warned SASSA spokesperson in Mpumalanga, Senzeni Ngubeni. 'All beneficiaries who are required to go through this process must do so to avoid delays and disappointment of not receiving the grant.' Those affected should visit their nearest SASSA office or log into the official SASSA website. Once the verification process begins, beneficiaries will receive an SMS containing a link that must be completed within 72 hours. Ngubeni also cautioned grant recipients about potential scams. 'Beneficiaries who have this status must not panic but verify at their SASSA local offices or log in to the website,' he explained. He further urged beneficiaries to avoid sharing personal information with strangers and to use only trusted SASSA platforms for assistance. To qualify for the SRD grant, applicants must be South African citizens, permanent residents, or registered refugees, over 18, unemployed, and not receiving other social grants or living in a government-funded institution. For support, SASSA can be reached at the toll-free number 0800 60 10 11 during working hours, or via WhatsApp at 082 046 8553. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Early pay in May: Good news for Sassa SRD grant beneficiaries
Sassa has confirmed to The Citizen the scheduled payment dates of the SRD grant for May 2025. Get the details here. Sassa administers the SRD grant, which provides crucial financial support to unemployed and vulnerable individuals across the country. Pictures: iStock and Sassa The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has released its May payment date schedule for the R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant. Managed by Sassa, the D Department of Social Development's SRD grant is in its fifth cycle in 2025, assisting about 9.2 million eligible South Africans, refugees and asylum seekers since the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020. Sassa SRD grant: Early pay in May The payment of the R370 grant usually takes place at the end of every month from the 25th. The agency's grant payment department, however, does not pay grants on public holidays or weekends, and with the 25th of May being a Sunday, grants will be paid earlier. Sassa spokesperson Andile Tshona confirmed to The Citizen that this month's SRD grant payment will be processed from 23 to 28 May. Check your status During the payment week, Sassa recommends recipients check their Sassa status on the SRD website to confirm the exact date their grant payment will be in their bank accounts. Grant recipients should bear in mind that it could take around two to three working days for funds to reflect in a beneficiary's account after the payment has been processed. ALSO READ: Sassa grant: June payment dates and claims of 'double pay' Eligibility for Sassa SRD Grant According to the latest figures supplied by Sassa, more than 17 million people applied for the SRD grant in September 2024. The following are some of the requirements that persons must meet to be eligible to receive these grants: They need to be citizens, have a permanent South African residency or be special permit holders. Shouldn't receive other government support in the form of Unemployment Insurance Fund benefits, National Student Financial Aid Scheme bursaries or permanent social grants. Must fall between the age brackets of 18 and 60. Make no more than R624 every month. How to check SRD grant application status via phone Dial 080 060 1011, and Provide your ID number. SRD biometric identification Sassa has introduced a biometric verification system for beneficiaries to counter fraud. New SRD grant applicants now have to complete biometric verification as a mandatory step before they are approved for the grant. If you're already a beneficiary of any Sassa grant, you don't have to do anything unless you experience problems with your grant application. For detailed information about the biometric verification process, you can contact Sassa's toll-free call centre on 0800 60 10 11 or send a WhatsApp to 082-046-8553. Collection options Sassa has put several systems and options in place for R370 grant beneficiaries to access their payment. 1. Bank account If you're a recipient of the SRD grant, you can opt to have the payment directly deposited into your bank account. This method ensures prompt access to your funds as soon as they're available. 2. Cash Send For individuals without a personal bank account, the Cash Send payment option is available for receiving the SRD grant payment. This method requires your ID number and phone number for access. You'll need a cellphone with a registered number and valid identification for this collection method. 3. Retail Stores Numerous retail stores across the country facilitate the R350 grant collection. Notable options include Pick n Pay, Checkers, Shoprite and Boxer stores. Sassa queries and complaints
